Princess Yeri.I, Camille, and Mehera are standing together in the grand hall. Our eyes sweep over the vast space that would soon be transformed for the twin’s birthday celebration. The room is adorned with high, arched windows that lets in streams of golden sunlight, illuminating the intricate tapestries and marble floors. I am dressed in a light blue gown and my hair is styled in soft waves, a delicate circlet rests atop my head. I gestured with my hands, envisioning where the decorations and tables would be placed.Camille is standing to my right, she is wearing a deep green dress that complements her auburn hair, which was braided elegantly down her back. She has a keen eye for detail, pointing out areas that could be enhanced with floral arrangements and colourful banners. Her expression was focused, and often times, we burst into laughter as she continues tease me about this morning. She won’t let me forget about it even if I wanted to.Mehera is on the other side of the hall, i
Alpha King Orizon.“Speak.” I say and the servant girl jolts.“Yes, your majesty…. I was told to clean my lady’s jewellery earlier today. I took it to the Sterling Chamber. While I was cleaning, I left the table for just a second to get a glass of water and when I got back to it. I saw Alice, standing there. I did not think anything of it until I counted the jewellery and I saw that at least five were missing.” The maidservant of Mehera says.I am on my ornate throne, radiating authority. My expression doesn’t match the gravity of the situation. Beside me is Agnes, the ever-watchful attendant. Lady Mehera is silent, her demeanour is masking the turmoil of the current scandal. Yeri stands nearby too, her face is calm and she keeps a protective eye on her accused maidservant. When Agnes told me that Yeri decline my gifts, it bit my ego—it made me wonder why? How dare she? Was it beneath her, has she received more than that, why did she see my fervent desire in the manner of my gifts? T
Princess Yeri“Your majesty.” I say, for the first time and he doesn’t turn to look at me. Behind me, I can hear Alice being pulled away by the guards in order to be flogged. Diana and Beth are looking at me in desperation to do something to help her. One again, I pick my gown from the floor so that I can walk faster to pursue after him. “Your majesty—“ I say, and this time. I, myself can hear the crack in my voice. I need him to turn and look at me…I need him to reverse his command. By the heavens as he is walking away, he stops to speak to a minister and I rush over to his side.I stand behind, quietly—waiting for him to finish acknowledging the minister. The minister looks at me, wondering what is going on and he stutters as he addresses the king.“She—?” He says. King Ozar looks over his shoulders and finds me. Without acknowledging, he turns to tahe another step but I grab a hold of his arm. The minister walks away and King Ozar refuses to look at him. I bring myself to his vi
Alpha King Orizon.Her words. They sting my chest and I allowed it to. However, I am king and I do not retract my command. Her maidservant was caught with the jewellery and that is all I needed to push forth the order. I will not be guilt tripped for I am king and I am above the law. After watching her silhouette retreat, I turn to see Mehera.“Your majesty.” She says and I am not sure how long she had been listening to the exchange of words between Yeri and I.“Thank you for restoring justice but, Yeri looks unhappy…”“Her maidservants stole! I don’t care if she seems unhappy.” I say and Mehera steps back.Yeri has already stepped on my toes and now, I am reliving my anger to Mehera who has nothing to do with it.“I didn’t mean to raise my voice at you.” I say, trying to step away but Mehera places her hands on my shoulder. When I turn to her, to see
ContdAlpha King Orizon.“Your majesty?” Mehera calls me.The maidservants are done in preparing the blankets on the grass and I head back towards her. The picnic arrangement is set in a picturesque meadow on the castle grounds. A large, ornate blanket is spread out on the soft grass, embroidered with the royal crest and patterns of gold and burgundy. The blanket is surrounded by a variety of cushions for comfort. A low table had been placed on the blanket, laden with an assortment of delicacies. There are plates of fresh fruits, cheeses, and meats, as well as a selection of pastries and breads. A silver pitcher of wine stands in the center, accompanied by two finely crafted goblets.“Please, take your seat.” I say, scratching my nose. If I could rewind time, I would never let what happened the carriage happen again. Truly, it feels wrong…as if touching another woman was both disgusting and dishonourable. Why? What has changed about me? If it were Yeri, I would have never let go of he
Princess Yeri.I wait at the door until Collins comes out. I don’t understand how a sibling of the king is reduced to working as bookkeeper in the castle, under his own brother’s regime. Yet, it is simple to understand because I know who Ozar is and I just happen to know that he hates Collins. My question is, did Collins really join hands with my brother? Did he seek out to treason in the first place? As I wait, scholars of the castle in their academic uniforms pass my side and they take second glances at me. Before coming here, I had to drag and pull out the information from Camille. Finally, she told me that Collins had been sent to the bookkeeping part of the castle and I just happened to force the whereabouts from her mouth.Scholars Aclove.This wing is nestled away from the main castle, it is supposed to be sanctuary for the kingdom's intellectuals. And from what I can see, it is a place where the whispers of history and the hum of scholarly debate strives in the air. As every s
ContdPrincess Yeri.“The king must not see us together.” Collins says.“I don’t care.” I say and he squints his eyes at me.“What do you mean you don’t care Yeri?” He asks and I exhale.“It is exactly what I said.” I repeat.“The last time he saw us together…” Collins says, stepping back as he remembers.“He almost killed you, his own brother, I saw it—”“No, you didn’t see Ozar’s nature. He could hurt you if he were to get a sniff of this.” Collins says and I become quiet. After seeing the manner in which the color of my face drains, he pauses and takes a step closer.“I need your help.” I say, unable to control the stream of tears that rolls off my eyes. And Collins, as if he knew the tear would be rolling off, he catches it with his thumb and I gaze into his eyes.“Do you still want to commit treason?” I ask.“How can I dare move along with it? It is my fault that you are here and your brother is nowhere to be found—”“Magnus is alive.” I cut him off.“You know where he is?” Colli
Alpha King Ozar.“No one?”“No one, your majesty. They are full proof records, no one would just have access to it.” The lead guard of my chamber says.“What are you thinking? I brought the files to you myself in order to avert a situation like this. Apart from us, the only other people who know about this are the ministers of defence and recruitment. What are we missing here?” Kaine says and I exhale.“Your majesty, have you forgotten that you brought consort Yeri here?” Agnes says and I look at her.“Consort Yeri?” Kaine says, looking back at me.“It was a few days ago…” Agnes says.I am silent. I simply do not want to believe that it could be Yeri. I won’t even make it an option.“Y—yes…it’s true.” The lead guard says and we deviate our attention to him.“A few days ago, I was present when Consort Yeri left the room for a short while.” The lead guard says.“Tell me what happened.” I say, the tenor of my voice has increased to a tone more noticeable.“Consort Yeri left to get a cup
Alpha King Ozar.As I pass through the courtyard, I sense the chill of the night. It clings to the castle walls like rain on leaves. My mind, though weighed with thoughts, is pierced by the sound of laughter—her laughter. Yeri's voice floats through the shadows like a melody, unrestrained and untouched by the bitterness between us. I pause and my eyes settles on her figure just beyond the archway.Oh, has her date with Theodric come to an end already?However, this is different.She is walking a small puppy. Her laughter is soft, with one hand resting on her stomach as though to steady herself from the joy spilling out. What could be joyful with everything that has been happened between us? I scoff and my chest tightens at the sight. That must be another gift from Theodric? Of course, it must be. He showers her with trinkets, and this puppy is no different.The puppy, a clumsy thing, tips the rope in her hand and dashes off on its own, its tiny paws clatters against the stone path. I
Alpha King Dimitrio.After announcing her arrival, the dowager strides into my study with a gown that rustles against the stone floor. I lift my eyes from the paperwork before me for I am slightly surprised by her presence. Ever since the wedding, she’s kept her distance, not even so much as a glance in my direction or the castle. And yet, here she is. There must be a reason. The dowager never does anything without reason."Since you haven’t dethroned her, I’m guessing you have your reasons. King Magnus has our people, and therefore, Yeri has to hold the seat for now they have the upper hand." she begins, calculating as she takes a seat across from me. She lowers herself gracefully to sit, back straight with hands folded in her lap.I find myself admiring, grudgingly, how well she understands the situation. "You know it all," I say."Is that all there is to it, Ozar?" Her eyes pierce through me, and I can already sense she’s digging deeper. "What did Collins tell you that made you b
Queen Yeri.King Ozar storms into my chambers with a force that makes my hands freeze mid-stitch. My maidservants immediately scatter, eyes wide with fear, sensing the fury that has just entered. Only Kiesta remains, standing still like a sentinel beside me.I glance at her briefly.“Leave us,” I say, despite the feel of my heart thudding against my ribcage.Kiesta hesitates for a moment, flickering between Ozar and me, but then nods and steps out, closing the door behind her.A scoff escapes his lips before he even speaks, his anger radiating off him like heat from a forge. I stop what I’m doing, setting the fabric aside, and slowly rise to my feet, but before I can steady myself, he strides forward and shoves me back down onto the couch. I gasp, my breath caught in my throat as I look up at him.Ozar towers over me like the man that he is and his shadow casts me in darkness.“Explain yourself…” he growls, thick with annoyance.I press my lips together, drawing a slow breath to calm
Queen Yeri.“Her attendants are processing her for a night with the king.” Camille says and I huff, looking at her with an emotion I cannot give a name yet. I accused Ozar of being jealous but right now, the expression of my emotions is more than jealousy.“He kept me in the castle because he is jealous of my relationship with Theodric. Yet, he wants to completely wither me by spending a night with Mehera.” I lament, pacing back and forth in Camille’s room. Camille, ever composed, is pouring herself a drink as if my world isn’t on the verge of crumbling.“Do you think he’ll do it?” I ask, betraying the fear that’s tightening around my chest.Camille barely glances at me and her lips curls into a wry smile. "Fuck his consort? Yeri, before you came, the king was swimming in a harem filled with women of all shapes and sizes. Of course, he’ll do it."I freeze, my hand flying to my forehead, my skin is hot to the touch. I’m sweating, and my heart is pounding so violently I fear it might b
Alpha king Ozar.“What do you want me to do?” Clipper asks.I don’t know what to say. I scratch my forehead in a worried manner.“I am worried.” I confess.“So, what? You want to find a way to stop her. If she cannot go today, she will go another day. Plus, Theodric is a married man. You shouldn’t have to worry about him.” Clipper ensues.“But have you seen Yeri? The council officers who are all married men were gawking at her the other day. She is mischievous and is capable of wielding her hand.” I say to Clipper but he may never understand. I know what prompted me to push Yeri to consort, then leave her as queen. Was it when she stroked my manhood at the time where she was a consort? Or was it how she sojourned me in the tents? Yeri just has to make a smoke, and the rest will result in fire.“Okay, I will leave now.”“No—let there be a spy that has been found in the capital. Send gammas to the capital to search for the spy and because of that, no royal is to step out.” I say.Clipp
Alpha King Orizon.I enter the dining hall for breakfast at the grand table. To my surprise, Camille is the only one around the table. So, my eyes have no choice but to instinctively find her. Her gaze lifts to meet mine as I approach. The memory of last night hangs between us like a thick, unspoken cloud.Yesterday, she came into my bedroom, half-dressed and bold in a way I hadn’t anticipated. Her request was clear, her intent was undeniable. She asked—no, she practically begged—for me to take her. I wasn't expecting it. The surprise, the sheer audacity of it all, left me momentarily speechless. I didn't know what to make of it.In truth, I am still grappling with it now. How did it come to this? Where once I was sure of myself, confident in my desires, I now find myself adrift. The ordeal ended with me escorting her out—a conversation that I have no desire to revisit. But the question gnaws at me, persistent and unyielding: What is wrong with me? I have shared my bed with women befo
Queen Yeri.I glide into my private bedroom, feeling the soft embrace of the space as the door closes behind me. I kick off my shoes, letting them fall unceremoniously to the floor. The sensation of freedom spreads through my toes, and I waste no time in collapsing onto the couch, reclining in a manner that would scandalize the court—a manner entirely unbecoming of a lady.But I don't care. Not tonight.A smile tugs at the corners of my lips, slow and wicked, as I replay the events of the day in my mind. Satisfaction curls within me like a contented cat. The image of Ozar, his eyes locked onto me in anger, is a delicious memory. While I spoke with Theodric, I could almost feel Ozar’s far breath.There is something intoxicating about knowing I commanded his attention so completely, despite all his gruffness and reserve. How could I forget? I have done it so well against him in the past. I stretch out on the couch and I can’t help but chuckle softly to myself. The day has gone in my fav
Alpha King Ozar.I watch as she laughs softly with King Theodric. Her fingers lightly tap his shoulder, and the man respond with a playful tilt of his head. I don’t know what is funny but the both of them are seemingly lost in a private jest. I was quite surprised when he decided to get up and choose her side. It is a true fact that Lord Theodric is known well for his intelligence. Most of the council officers are quick to stand with him—it his influence and the quickness of his actions. By taking Yeri’s side, he has bought her a lot of followers in court already. However, I cannot help but be annoyed. Before I can dwell further on the scene, Clipper discreetly clears his throat, a subtle reminder to refocus. I blink, tearing my eyes away from the pair“Lord Daniel is approaching,” Clipper murmurs.Heaven only knows how long I have been staring at Yeri.I shift back to the stoic expression that I wear like an armor. Lord Daniel stops before me and bows. "Your Majesty," But before
Queen Yeri.I lay still on the bed, face buried in the pillows. I have been like this since last night—my despair pulls me deeper into the sheets, refusing to release me. I saw when the morning light crept into the room as Alice opened the windows, letting in a soft breeze that stirs the curtains but did nothing to stir me. Kiesta stands at the foot of the bed."Your Majesty, there is a court meeting. You need to get up and dress. It is the first time you will appear as queen to the officials of Orizon."Alice moves to the side; her voice is gentle but with a sense of urgency. "I’ll start boiling water.""I will pick out her dress," Beth adds, as if the right gown might somehow revive the queen's spirit.I do not move. And my voice, when it finally emerges is faint. "I don’t feel well.""No, you just feel hate. Don’t beat yourself, Your Majesty. He is dragon wolf blood; he’s quite powerful." Kiesta says, it is a subtle encouragement but I do not want to see Ozar’s face.Kiesta sits on